Additionally, the changes include provisions for an accelerated procedure that can be applied to all asylum applications, regardless of when they were submitted.
The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) emphasizes that these measures are designed to enhance the efficiency of assessing asylum applications that are likely to be unfounded. The goal is to quickly return individuals whose applications are rejected, thereby reducing the burden on the asylum system and addressing concerns about secondary movements of asylum seekers within the EU.
Under the new border procedure, Migri is required by law to reach a decision on an asylum application within four weeks. During this period, asylum seekers are restricted to specific reception centers and are not allowed to leave without special permission. This approach is part of a broader strategy to manage what the government describes as "instrumentalized migration"—situations where migration flows are manipulated for political purposes.
Despite the expedited timelines and restrictions, Migri assures that each asylum application will be examined thoroughly, with asylum seekers receiving the same legal advice and support as those in the standard process. However, the criteria for referring an application to the border procedure are stringent. Only cases where the application appears to lack sufficient grounds, or where an accelerated process is deemed appropriate, will be considered for this expedited handling.
If an application is deemed inadmissible during a preliminary examination, Migri will not proceed with a full asylum interview. Instead, the application can be dismissed outright if it is determined that there are no valid grounds for further examination.
These legislative changes reflect Finland’s efforts to balance humanitarian responsibilities with national security concerns, particularly in the context of growing migration pressures across Europe. While the new procedures aim to streamline the asylum process, they also underscore Finland’s commitment to ensuring that all asylum claims are handled with due diligence, regardless of the circumstances under which they are submitted.
HT
